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Penn State York students about to graduate greet each other, in the rehearsal room of the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) on campus, prior to commencement in December 2012.

Image: Barbara Dennis

Local architect and Penn State alum to speak at York commencement May 3

April 18, 2013

Local architect and Penn State alum to speak at York commencement May 3

Penn State York will celebrate its 43rd annual spring commencement at 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center at the campus. Frank E. Dittenhafer II, ’78 FAIA, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional and president of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, is the commencement speaker.

Dittenhafer is the president of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, an architectural firm established in 1985 that provides architectural services for clients throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His impact at the York campus goes beyond serving on the advisory board. His company’s creative work is evident in the amazing designs of the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center, the Lee R. Glatfelter Library, the Lair student lounge and, most recently, the Ralph G. and Madeline B. Swenson Engineering Center.

Dittenhafer holds a bachelor of science degree in architecture, with honors, from Penn State as well as a master of architecture from the University of Pennsylvania where he received the E. Lewis Dales Traveling Fellowship and bronze medal for design.

He has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, College Park; design critic for the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design; Art Institute of York; Harrisburg Area Community College; and has chaired numerous Architects International Association (AIA) Design Award juries. He is a member of the Penn State Architecture Alumni Group Board of Directors, Morgan State University’s Architecture Advisory Board and City of Baltimore Public Art Commission.

For those who cannot attend the event, Penn State York's commencement can be viewed on Comcast cable Channel 18 and streaming at www2.yk.psu.edu/commencement.

In addition to hearing from Dittenhafer, Penn State York will continue its open-microphone tradition when graduates can speak to the audience for a moment. The top associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree graduates will also say a few words. A number of former Penn State York students who completed their degree work at another campus of Penn State will return to the campus to receive their degrees during the ceremony.

The campus will award associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees during the program. The ceremony is free and open to the public.